Systems and methods for optimizing ventilation, filtration, and conditioning schemes for buildings

ABSTRACT

A building management system (BMS) for filtering a fluid within a building is shown. The system includes one or more sensors configured to measure one or more characteristics of a first fluid within an air duct of the BMS and measure one or more characteristics of a second fluid after the second fluid has been filtered. The system further includes a pollutant management system configured to receive data from the one or more sensors and control a filtration process. The filtration process selects a filter of a plurality of filters based on a level of the one or more characteristics of the first fluid and the one or more characteristics of the second fluid.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/873,631 filed Jul. 12, 2019, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Conventional methods for optimizing air quality within a building employmethods of using fixed ventilation rates to improve the quality of air.This can include ventilating the air in a constant process regardless ofthe change in outdoor air quality. In the event that air within abuilding may need to be optimized, conventional methods may rely onallowing more outdoor air to enter the building. This may notnecessarily optimize the air quality, as the type of filtering, feedbacksystem for various characteristics of outdoor air quality, andpredictive modeling is not implemented and/or monitored.

SUMMARY

One implementation of the present disclosure is a building managementsystem (BMS) for filtering a fluid within a building. The systemincludes one or more sensors configured to measure one or morecharacteristics of a first fluid within an air duct of the BMS andmeasure one or more characteristics of a second fluid after the secondfluid has been filtered. The system further includes a pollutantmanagement system configured to receive data from the one or moresensors and control a filtration process, wherein the filtration processselects a filter of a plurality of filters based on a level of the oneor more characteristics of the first fluid and the one or morecharacteristics of the second fluid.

In some embodiments, measuring the one or more characteristics of thefirst fluid within the air duct of the BMS comprises measuring at leastone of a carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, particulate matter, or ozonelevels of the first fluid. In some embodiments, measuring the one ormore characteristics of the second fluid after the second fluid has beenfiltered comprises measuring at least one of a carbon dioxide, nitrousoxide, particulate matter, or ozone levels of the second fluid. In someembodiments, measuring one or more characteristics of the first fluid isperformed by a first set of sensors and measuring the one or morecharacteristics of the second fluid after the second fluid has beenfiltered is performed by a second set of sensors. In some embodiments,the first fluid is a pre-filtered fluid received in the air duct and thesecond fluid is a post-filtered supply fluid within the air duct or apost-filtered fluid within a building zone.

In some embodiments, the pollutant management system comprises apredictive model module configured to receive filter data from a one ormore filtration sensors, the one or more filtration sensors configuredto record the filter data of the plurality of filters within thefiltration process, the filter data comprising data relating to the oneor more characteristics of the fluid. In some embodiments, thepredictive model module is further configured to determine when theselected filter will become inoperable. In some embodiments, thepredictive model module is further configured to, upon determining whenthe selected filter will become inoperable, alter the filtrationprocess. In some embodiments, the filtration process further selects thefilter of the plurality of filters based on a change in the one or morecharacteristics from filtering the first fluid.

In some embodiments, selecting the filter of the plurality of filtersincludes selecting the filter of the plurality of filters in a singlefluid path, wherein all of the first fluid is filtered in the singlefluid path.

In some embodiments, selecting the filter of the plurality of filtersincludes selecting a path of a plurality of paths in the air duct forthe fluid to flow. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of pathsincludes one of the plurality of filters. In some embodiments, filteringthe first fluid is based on the selected path.

In some embodiments, the pollutant management system is furtherconfigured to compare the level of the one or more characteristicsmeasured by the one or more sensors to a predetermined threshold, thelevel of the one or more characteristics based on measurements from theone or more sensors.

In some embodiments, the pollutant management system further includes atiming module configured to process the first fluid based onpredetermined intervals of time, wherein processing includes filtering,heating, disinfecting, or cleaning.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a controller forfiltering a fluid within a building management system (BMS). Thecontroller includes a processing circuit including one or moreprocessors and memory. The memory storing instructions that, whenexecuted by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processorsto perform operations. The operations include receiving, via one or moresensors, a first set of sensor data of one or more characteristics of afirst fluid within an air duct of the BMS. The operations furtherinclude receiving, via the one or more sensors, a second set of sensordata of one or more characteristics of a second fluid after the secondfluid has been filtered. The operations further include providingcontrol signals to a filtration process, wherein the filtration processselects a filter of a plurality of filters based on a level of the oneor more characteristics of the first fluid and the one or morecharacteristics of the second fluid. The operations further includegenerating a model of the first fluid. The operations further includegenerating predictions based on the model, wherein the model isgenerated based on the first set of sensor data and the second set ofsensor data.

In some embodiments, receiving the first set of sensor data of the oneor more characteristics of the first fluid within the air duct includesmeasuring at least one of a carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, particulatematter, or ozone levels of the first fluid. In some embodiments,receiving the second set of sensor data of the one or morecharacteristics of the second fluid after the second fluid has beenfiltered includes measuring at least one of a carbon dioxide, nitrousoxide, particulate matter, or ozone levels of the second fluid. In someembodiments, the first set of sensor data of the one or morecharacteristics of the first fluid is received by a first set of sensorsand the second set of sensor data of the one or more characteristics ofthe second fluid is received by a second set of sensors. In someembodiments, the first fluid is a pre-filtered fluid received in the airduct and the second fluid is a post-filtered supply fluid within the airduct or a post-filtered fluid within a building zone.

In some embodiments, the operations further include receiving filterdata from one or more filtration sensors, the one or more filtrationsensors configured to record the filter data of the plurality of filterswithin the filtration process, the filter data comprising data relatingto the one or more characteristics of the fluid. In some embodiments,the operations further include determining when the selected filter willbecome inoperable. In some embodiments, the operations further include,upon determining when the selected filter will become inoperable,altering the filtration process. In some embodiments, the filtrationprocess further selects the filter of the plurality of filters based ona change in the one or more characteristics from filtering the firstfluid.

In some embodiments, selecting the filter of the plurality of filtersincludes selecting the filter of the plurality of filters in a singlefluid path, wherein all of the first fluid is filtered in the singlefluid path.

In some embodiments, selecting the filter of the plurality of filtersincludes selecting a path of a plurality of paths in the air duct forthe first fluid to flow, wherein each of the plurality of pathscomprises one of the plurality of filters and filtering the first fluidbased on the selected path.

In some embodiments, the operations further include comparing the levelof the one or more characteristics to a predetermined threshold, thelevel of the one or more characteristics based on information from thefirst set of sensor data, the second set of sensor data, or both.

In some embodiments, the operations further include processing the firstfluid based on predetermined intervals of time, wherein processingcomprising filtering, heating, disinfecting, or cleaning.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a method forfiltering a first fluid within a building management system (BMS). Themethod includes receiving, via one or more sensors, a first set ofsensor data of one or more characteristics of the first fluid within anair duct of the BMS. The method further includes receiving, via the oneor more sensors, a second set of sensor data of one or morecharacteristics of a second fluid after the second fluid has beenfiltered. The method further includes providing control signals to afiltration process, wherein the filtration process selects a filter of aplurality of filters based on a level of the one or more characteristicsof the first fluid and the one or more characteristics of the secondfluid.

In some embodiments, receiving the first set of sensor data of the oneor more characteristics of the first fluid within the air duct comprisesmeasuring at least one of a carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, particulatematter or ozone levels of the first fluid. In some embodiments,receiving the second set of sensor data of the one or morecharacteristics of the second fluid after the second fluid has beenfiltered comprises measuring at least one of a carbon dioxide, nitrousoxide, particulate matter, or ozone levels of the second fluid. In someembodiments, the first set of sensor data of the one or morecharacteristics of the first fluid is received by a first set of sensorsand the second set of sensor data of the one or more characteristics ofthe second fluid is received by a second set of sensors. In someembodiments, the first fluid is a pre-filtered fluid received in the airduct and the second fluid is a post-filtered supply fluid within the airduct or a post-filtered fluid within a building zone.

In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving filter datafrom one or more filtration sensors, the one or more filtration sensorsconfigured to record filter data of the plurality of filters within thefiltration process, the filter data comprising data relating to the oneor more characteristics of the first fluid. In some embodiments, themethod further includes determining when the selected filter will becomeinoperable. In some embodiments, the method further includes, upondetermining when the selected filter will become inoperable, alteringthe filtration process. In some embodiments, the filtration processfurther selects the filter of the plurality of filters based on a changein the one or more characteristics from filtering the first fluid.

In some embodiments, selecting the filter of the plurality of filtersincludes selecting a path of a plurality of paths in the air duct forthe first fluid to flow, wherein each of the plurality of pathscomprises one of the plurality of filters and filtering the first fluidbased on the selected path.

In some embodiments, the method further includes comparing the level ofthe one or more characteristics of the first fluid to a predeterminedthreshold, the level of the one or more characteristics of the firstfluid based on information from the first set of sensor data, the secondset of sensor data, or both.

In some embodiments, the method further includes processing the firstfluid based on predetermined intervals of time, wherein processingcomprising filtering, heating, disinfecting, or cleaning.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing of a building equipped with a heating, ventilation,or air conditioning (HVAC) system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of a waterside system which can be used as part ofthe HVAC system of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an airside system which can be used as partof the HVAC system of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a building management system (BMS) whichcan be used in the building of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an air filtration system, which can be usedin the BMS of FIG. 4, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a detailed block diagram of a pollutant management systemwhich can be used in the air filtration system of FIG. 5, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 7A is a diagram of an air duct unit that can be used in the airfiltration system of FIG. 5, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7B is a diagram of an air duct unit that can be used in the airfiltration system of FIG. 5, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a process for optimizing outdoor air quality which may beperformed by the system of FIG. 5, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a process for optimizing outdoor air quality using predictivemodeling which may be performed by the system of FIG. 5, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a process for optimizing outdoor air quality which may beperformed by the system of FIG. 5, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of filtering air in an air duct, which may beperformed by the system of FIG. 5, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Referring generally to the FIGURES, systems and method for optimizingair quality in buildings are shown, according to an exemplaryembodiment. This may be performed by using localized outdoor air qualitydata (e.g., at building ventilation inputs, etc.) to determine optimumoutdoor air requirements to satisfy and/or optimize indoor air quality.Local outdoor air quality could be used to determine the appropriatelevel of secondary filtering/conditioning/etc. where required/desiredindoor air quality (IAQ) measurements cannot be met byunconditioned/filtered outdoor air (OA). This could also decrease costassociated with overventilation as the makeup air needs to be processed(e.g., heated, cooled, humidified, dehumidified, etc.).

Building Management System and HVAC System

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a building 10 is shown.Building 10 is served by a building management system (BMS). A BMS is,in general, a system of devices configured to control, monitor, andmanage equipment in or around a building or building area. A BMS caninclude, for example, a HVAC system, a security system, a lightingsystem, a fire alerting system, any other system that is capable ofmanaging building functions or devices, or any combination thereof.

The BMS that serves building 10 includes an HVAC system 100. HVAC system100 may include a plurality of HVAC devices (e.g., heaters, chillers,air handling units, pumps, fans, thermal energy storage, etc.)configured to provide heating, cooling, ventilation, or other servicesfor building 10. For example, HVAC system 100 is shown to include awaterside system 120 and an airside system 130. Waterside system 120 mayprovide a heated or chilled fluid to an air handling unit of airsidesystem 130. Airside system 130 may use the heated or chilled fluid toheat or cool an airflow provided to building 10. In some embodiments,waterside system 120 is replaced with a central energy plant such ascentral plant 200, described with reference to FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, building 10 acts as a building or campus (e.g.,several buildings) capable of housing some or all components of HVACsystem 100. While the systems and methods described herein are primarilyfocused on operations within a typical building (e.g., building 10),they can easily be applied to various other enclosures or spaces (e.g.,cars, airplanes, recreational vehicles, etc.). For example, pollutantmanagement system 502 as described below may be implemented in arecreational vehicle for filtering one or more fluids within thevehicle.

Still referring to FIG. 1, HVAC system 100 is shown to include a chiller102, a boiler 104, and a rooftop air handling unit (AHU) 106. Watersidesystem 120 may use boiler 104 and chiller 102 to heat or cool a workingfluid (e.g., water, glycol, etc.) and may circulate the working fluid toAHU 106. In various embodiments, the HVAC devices of waterside system120 may be located in or around building 10 (as shown in FIG. 1) or atan offsite location such as a central plant (e.g., a chiller plant, asteam plant, a heat plant, etc.). The working fluid may be heated inboiler 104 or cooled in chiller 102, depending on whether heating orcooling is required in building 10. Boiler 104 may add heat to thecirculated fluid, for example, by burning a combustible material (e.g.,natural gas) or using an electric heating element. Chiller 102 may placethe circulated fluid in a heat exchange relationship with another fluid(e.g., a refrigerant) in a heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator) toabsorb heat from the circulated fluid. The working fluid from chiller102 and/or boiler 104 may be transported to AHU 106 via piping 108.

AHU 106 may place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship withan airflow passing through AHU 106 (e.g., via one or more stages ofcooling coils and/or heating coils). The airflow may be, for example,outside air, return air from within building 10, or a combination ofboth. AHU 106 may transfer heat between the airflow and the workingfluid to provide heating or cooling for the airflow. For example, AHU106 may include one or more fans or blowers configured to pass theairflow over or through a heat exchanger containing the working fluid.The working fluid may then return to chiller 102 or boiler 104 viapiping 110.

Airside system 130 may deliver the airflow supplied by AHU 106 (i.e.,the supply airflow) to building 10 via air supply ducts 112 and mayprovide return air from building 10 to AHU 106 via air return ducts 114.In some embodiments, airside system 130 includes multiple variable airvolume (VAV) units 116. For example, airside system 130 is shown toinclude a separate VAV unit 116 on each floor or zone of building 10.VAV units 116 may include dampers or other flow control elements thatcan be operated to control an amount of the supply airflow provided toindividual zones of building 10. In other embodiments, airside system130 delivers the supply airflow into one or more zones of building 10(e.g., via air supply ducts 112) without using intermediate VAV units116 or other flow control elements. AHU 106 may include various sensors(e.g., temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) configured tomeasure attributes of the supply airflow. AHU 106 may receive input fromsensors located within AHU 106 and/or within the building zone and mayadjust the flow rate, temperature, or other attributes of the supplyairflow through AHU 106 to achieve setpoint conditions for the buildingzone.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of a central plant 200 isshown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In brief overview, centralplant 200 may include various types of equipment configured to serve thethermal energy loads of a building or campus (i.e., a system ofbuildings). For example, central plant 200 may include heaters,chillers, heat recovery chillers, cooling towers, or other types ofequipment configured to serve the heating and/or cooling loads of abuilding or campus. Central plant 200 may consume resources from autility (e.g., electricity, water, natural gas, etc.) to heat or cool aworking fluid that is circulated to one or more buildings or stored forlater use (e.g., in thermal energy storage tanks) to provide heating orcooling for the buildings. In various embodiments, central plant 200 maysupplement or replace waterside system 120 in building 10 or may beimplemented separate from building 10 (e.g., at an offsite location).

Central plant 200 is shown to include a plurality of subplants 202-212including a heater subplant 202, a heat recovery chiller subplant 204, achiller subplant 206, a cooling tower subplant 208, a hot thermal energystorage (TES) subplant 210, and a cold thermal energy storage (TES)subplant 212. Subplants 202-212 consume resources from utilities toserve the thermal energy loads (e.g., hot water, cold water, heating,cooling, etc.) of a building or campus. For example, heater subplant 202may be configured to heat water in a hot water loop 214 that circulatesthe hot water between heater subplant 202 and building 10. Chillersubplant 206 may be configured to chill water in a cold water loop 216that circulates the cold water between chiller subplant 206 and building10. Heat recovery chiller subplant 204 may be configured to transferheat from cold water loop 216 to hot water loop 214 to provideadditional heating for the hot water and additional cooling for the coldwater. Condenser water loop 218 may absorb heat from the cold water inchiller subplant 206 and reject the absorbed heat in cooling towersubplant 208 or transfer the absorbed heat to hot water loop 214. HotTES subplant 210 and cold TES subplant 212 may store hot and coldthermal energy, respectively, for subsequent use.

Hot water loop 214 and cold water loop 216 may deliver the heated and/orchilled water to air handlers located on the rooftop of building 10(e.g., AHU 106) or to individual floors or zones of building 10 (e.g.,VAV units 116). The air handlers push air past heat exchangers (e.g.,heating coils or cooling coils) through which the water flows to provideheating or cooling for the air. The heated or cooled air may bedelivered to individual zones of building 10 to serve the thermal energyloads of building 10. The water then returns to subplants 202-212 toreceive further heating or cooling.

Although subplants 202-212 are shown and described as heating andcooling water for circulation to a building, it is understood that anyother type of working fluid (e.g., glycol, CO₂, etc.) may be used inplace of or in addition to water to serve the thermal energy loads. Inother embodiments, subplants 202-212 may provide heating and/or coolingdirectly to the building or campus without requiring an intermediateheat transfer fluid. These and other variations to central plant 200 arewithin the teachings of the present invention.

Each of subplants 202-212 may include a variety of equipment configuredto facilitate the functions of the subplant. For example, heatersubplant 202 is shown to include a plurality of heating elements 220(e.g., boilers, electric heaters, etc.) configured to add heat to thehot water in hot water loop 214. Heater subplant 202 is also shown toinclude several pumps 222 and 224 configured to circulate the hot waterin hot water loop 214 and to control the flow rate of the hot waterthrough individual heating elements 220. Chiller subplant 206 is shownto include a plurality of chillers 232 configured to remove heat fromthe cold water in cold water loop 216. Chiller subplant 206 is alsoshown to include several pumps 234 and 236 configured to circulate thecold water in cold water loop 216 and to control the flow rate of thecold water through individual chillers 232.

Heat recovery chiller subplant 204 is shown to include a plurality ofheat recovery heat exchangers 226 (e.g., refrigeration circuits)configured to transfer heat from cold water loop 216 to hot water loop214. Heat recovery chiller subplant 204 is also shown to include severalpumps 228 and 230 configured to circulate the hot water and/or coldwater through heat recovery heat exchangers 226 and to control the flowrate of the water through individual heat recovery heat exchangers 226.Cooling tower subplant 208 is shown to include a plurality of coolingtowers 238 configured to remove heat from the condenser water incondenser water loop 218. Cooling tower subplant 208 is also shown toinclude several pumps 240 configured to circulate the condenser water incondenser water loop 218 and to control the flow rate of the condenserwater through individual cooling towers 238.

Hot TES subplant 210 is shown to include a hot TES tank 242 configuredto store the hot water for later use. Hot TES subplant 210 may alsoinclude one or more pumps or valves configured to control the flow rateof the hot water into or out of hot TES tank 242. Cold TES subplant 212is shown to include cold TES tanks 244 configured to store the coldwater for later use. Cold TES subplant 212 may also include one or morepumps or valves configured to control the flow rate of the cold waterinto or out of cold TES tanks 244.

In some embodiments, one or more of the pumps in central plant 200(e.g., pumps 222, 224, 228, 230, 234, 236, and/or 240) or pipelines incentral plant 200 include an isolation valve associated therewith.Isolation valves may be integrated with the pumps or positioned upstreamor downstream of the pumps to control the fluid flows in central plant200. In various embodiments, central plant 200 may include more, fewer,or different types of devices and/or subplants based on the particularconfiguration of central plant 200 and the types of loads served bycentral plant 200.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram of an airside system 300 isshown, according to an example embodiment. In various embodiments,airside system 300 can supplement or replace airside system 130 in HVACsystem 100, or can be implemented separate from HVAC system 100. Whenimplemented in HVAC system 100, airside system 300 can include a subsetof the HVAC devices in HVAC system 100 (e.g., AHU 106, VAV units 116,duct 112, duct 114, fans, dampers, etc.) and can be located in or aroundbuilding 10. Airside system 300 can operate to heat or cool an airflowprovided to building 10 using a heated or chilled fluid provided bywaterside system 200.

In FIG. 3, airside system 300 is shown to include an economizer-type airhandling unit (AHU) 302. Economizer-type AHUs vary the amount of outsideair and return air used by the air handling unit for heating or cooling.For example, AHU 302 can receive return air 304 from building zone 306via return air duct 308 and can deliver supply air 310 to building zone306 via supply air duct 312. In some embodiments, AHU 302 is a rooftopunit located on the roof of building 10 (e.g., AHU 106 as shown inFIG. 1) or otherwise positioned to receive both return air 304 andoutside air 314. AHU 302 can be configured to operate exhaust air damper316, mixing damper 318, and outside air damper 320 to control an amountof outside air 314 and return air 304 that combine to form supply air310. Any return air 304 that does not pass through mixing damper 318 canbe exhausted from AHU 302 through exhaust damper 316 as exhaust air 322.

Each of dampers 316-320 can be operated by an actuator. For example,exhaust air damper 316 can be operated by actuator 324, mixing damper318 can be operated by actuator 326, and outside air damper 320 can beoperated by actuator 328. Actuators 324-328 can communicate with an AHUcontroller 330 via a communications link 332. Actuators 324-328 canreceive control signals from AHU controller 330 and can provide feedbacksignals to AHU controller 330. Feedback signals can include, forexample, an indication of a current actuator or damper position, anamount of torque or force exerted by the actuator, diagnosticinformation (e.g., results of diagnostic tests performed by actuators324-328), status information, commissioning information, configurationsettings, calibration data, and/or other types of information or datathat can be collected, stored, or used by actuators 324-328. AHUcontroller 330 can be an economizer controller configured to use one ormore control algorithms (e.g., state-based algorithms, extremum seekingcontrol (ESC) algorithms, proportional-integral (PI) control algorithms,proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithms, modelpredictive control (MPC) algorithms, feedback control algorithms, etc.)to control actuators 324-328.

Still referring to FIG. 3, AHU 302 is shown to include a cooling coil334, a heating coil 336, and a fan 338 positioned within supply air duct312. Fan 338 can be configured to force supply air 310 through coolingcoil 334 and/or heating coil 336 and provide supply air 310 to buildingzone 306. AHU controller 330 can communicate with fan 338 viacommunications link 340 to control a flow rate of supply air 310. Insome embodiments, AHU controller 330 controls an amount of heating orcooling applied to supply air 310 by modulating a speed of fan 338.

Cooling coil 334 can receive a chilled fluid from waterside system 200(e.g., from cold water loop 216) via piping 342 and can return thechilled fluid to waterside system 200 via piping 344. Valve 346 can bepositioned along piping 342 or piping 344 to control a flow rate of thechilled fluid through cooling coil 334. In some embodiments, coolingcoil 334 includes multiple stages of cooling coils that can beindependently activated and deactivated (e.g., by AHU controller 330, byBMS controller 366, etc.) to modulate an amount of cooling applied tosupply air 310.

Heating coil 336 can receive a heated fluid from waterside system 200(e.g., from hot water loop 214) via piping 348 and can return the heatedfluid to waterside system 200 via piping 350. Valve 352 can bepositioned along piping 348 or piping 350 to control a flow rate of theheated fluid through heating coil 336. In some embodiments, heating coil336 includes multiple stages of heating coils that can be independentlyactivated and deactivated (e.g., by AHU controller 330, by BMScontroller 366, etc.) to modulate an amount of heating applied to supplyair 310.

Each of valves 346 and 352 can be controlled by an actuator. Forexample, valve 346 can be controlled by actuator 354 and valve 352 canbe controlled by actuator 356. Actuators 354-356 can communicate withAHU controller 330 via communications links 358-360. Actuators 354-356can receive control signals from AHU controller 330 and can providefeedback signals to controller 330. In some embodiments, AHU controller330 receives a measurement of the supply air temperature from atemperature sensor 362 positioned in supply air duct 312 (e.g.,downstream of cooling coil 334 and/or heating coil 336). AHU controller330 can also receive a measurement of the temperature of building zone306 from a temperature sensor 364 located in building zone 306.

In some embodiments, AHU controller 330 operates valves 346 and 352 viaactuators 354-356 to modulate an amount of heating or cooling providedto supply air 310 (e.g., to achieve a setpoint temperature for supplyair 310 or to maintain the temperature of supply air 310 within asetpoint temperature range). The positions of valves 346 and 352 affectthe amount of heating or cooling provided to supply air 310 by coolingcoil 334 or heating coil 336 and may correlate with the amount of energyconsumed to achieve a desired supply air temperature. AHU controller 330can control the temperature of supply air 310 and/or building zone 306by activating or deactivating coils 334-336, adjusting a speed of fan338, or a combination of both.

Still referring to FIG. 3, airside system 300 is shown to include abuilding management system (BMS) controller 366 and a client device 368.BMS controller 366 can include one or more computer systems (e.g.,servers, supervisory controllers, subsystem controllers, etc.) thatserve as system level controllers, application or data servers, headnodes, or master controllers for airside system 300, waterside system200, HVAC system 100, and/or other controllable systems that servebuilding 10. BMS controller 366 can communicate with multiple downstreambuilding systems or subsystems (e.g., HVAC system 100, a securitysystem, a lighting system, waterside system 200, etc.) via acommunications link 370 according to like or disparate protocols (e.g.,LON, BACnet, etc.). In various embodiments, AHU controller 330 and BMScontroller 366 can be separate (as shown in FIG. 3) or integrated. In anintegrated implementation, AHU controller 330 can be a software moduleconfigured for execution by a processor of BMS controller 366.

In some embodiments, AHU controller 330 receives information from BMScontroller 366 (e.g., commands, setpoints, operating boundaries, etc.)and provides information to BMS controller 366 (e.g., temperaturemeasurements, valve or actuator positions, operating statuses,diagnostics, etc.). For example, AHU controller 330 can provide BMScontroller 366 with temperature measurements from temperature sensors362 and 364, equipment on/off states, equipment operating capacities,and/or any other information that can be used by BMS controller 366 tomonitor or control a variable state or condition within building zone306.

Client device 368 can include one or more human-machine interfaces orclient interfaces (e.g., graphical user interfaces, reportinginterfaces, text-based computer interfaces, client-facing web services,web servers that provide pages to web clients, etc.) for controlling,viewing, or otherwise interacting with HVAC system 100, its subsystems,and/or devices. Client device 368 can be a computer workstation, aclient terminal, a remote or local interface, or any other type of userinterface device. Client device 368 can be a stationary terminal or amobile device. For example, client device 368 can be a desktop computer,a computer server with a user interface, a laptop computer, a tablet, asmartphone, a PDA, or any other type of mobile or non-mobile device.Client device 368 can communicate with BMS controller 366 and/or AHUcontroller 330 via communications link 372.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram of a building management system(BMS) 400 is shown, according to an example embodiment. BMS 400 can beimplemented in building 10 to automatically monitor and control variousbuilding functions. BMS 400 is shown to include BMS controller 366 and aplurality of building subsystems 428. Building subsystems 428 are shownto include a building electrical subsystem 434, an informationcommunication technology (ICT) subsystem 436, a security subsystem 438,a HVAC subsystem 440, a lighting subsystem 442, a lift/escalatorssubsystem 432, and a fire safety subsystem 430. In various embodiments,building subsystems 428 can include fewer, additional, or alternativesubsystems. For example, building subsystems 428 can also oralternatively include a refrigeration subsystem, an advertising orsignage subsystem, a cooking subsystem, a vending subsystem, a printeror copy service subsystem, or any other type of building subsystem thatuses controllable equipment and/or sensors to monitor or controlbuilding 10. In some embodiments, building subsystems 428 includewaterside system 200 and/or airside system 300, as described withreference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Each of building subsystems 428 can include any number of devices,controllers, and connections for completing its individual functions andcontrol activities. HVAC subsystem 440 can include many of the samecomponents as HVAC system 100, as described with reference to FIGS. 1-3.For example, HVAC subsystem 440 can include a chiller, a boiler, anynumber of air handling units, economizers, field controllers,supervisory controllers, actuators, temperature sensors, and otherdevices for controlling the temperature, humidity, airflow, or othervariable conditions within building 10. Lighting subsystem 442 caninclude any number of light fixtures, ballasts, lighting sensors,dimmers, or other devices configured to controllably adjust the amountof light provided to a building space. Security subsystem 438 caninclude occupancy sensors, video surveillance cameras, digital videorecorders, video processing servers, intrusion detection devices, accesscontrol devices (e.g., card access, etc.) and servers, or othersecurity-related devices.

Still referring to FIG. 4, BMS controller 366 is shown to include acommunications interface 407 and a BMS interface 409. Interface 407 canfacilitate communications between BMS controller 366 and externalapplications (e.g., monitoring and reporting applications 422,enterprise control applications 426, remote systems and applications444, applications residing on client devices 448, etc.) for allowinguser control, monitoring, and adjustment to BMS controller 366 and/orsubsystems 428. Interface 407 can also facilitate communications betweenBMS controller 366 and client devices 448. BMS interface 409 canfacilitate communications between BMS controller 366 and buildingsubsystems 428 (e.g., HVAC, lighting security, lifts, powerdistribution, business, etc.).

Interfaces 407, 409 can be or include wired or wireless communicationsinterfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers,transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communicationswith building subsystems 428 or other external systems or devices. Invarious embodiments, communications via interfaces 407, 409 can bedirect (e.g., local wired or wireless communications) or via acommunications network 446 (e.g., a WAN, the Internet, a cellularnetwork, etc.). For example, interfaces 407, 409 can include an Ethernetcard and port for sending and receiving data via an Ethernet-basedcommunications link or network. In another example, interfaces 407, 409can include a Wi-Fi transceiver for communicating via a wirelesscommunications network. In another example, one or both of interfaces407, 409 can include cellular or mobile phone communicationstransceivers. In one embodiment, communications interface 407 is a powerline communications interface and BMS interface 409 is an Ethernetinterface. In other embodiments, both communications interface 407 andBMS interface 409 are Ethernet interfaces or are the same Ethernetinterface.

Still referring to FIG. 4, BMS controller 366 is shown to include aprocessing circuit 404 including a processor 406 and memory 408.Processing circuit 404 can be communicably connected to BMS interface409 and/or communications interface 407 such that processing circuit 404and the various components thereof can send and receive data viainterfaces 407, 409. Processor 406 can be implemented as a generalpurpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group ofprocessing components, or other suitable electronic processingcomponents.

Memory 408 (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) can includeone or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage,etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing orfacilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in thepresent application. Memory 408 can be or include volatile memory ornon-volatile memory. Memory 408 can include database components, objectcode components, script components, or any other type of informationstructure for supporting the various activities and informationstructures described in the present application. According to an exampleembodiment, memory 408 is communicably connected to processor 406 viaprocessing circuit 404 and includes computer code for executing (e.g.,by processing circuit 404 and/or processor 406) one or more processesdescribed herein.

In some embodiments, BMS controller 366 is implemented within a singlecomputer (e.g., one server, one housing, etc.). In various otherembodiments BMS controller 366 can be distributed across multipleservers or computers (e.g., that can exist in distributed locations).Further, while FIG. 4 shows applications 422 and 426 as existing outsideof BMS controller 366, in some embodiments, applications 422 and 426 canbe hosted within BMS controller 366 (e.g., within memory 408).

Still referring to FIG. 4, memory 408 is shown to include an enterpriseintegration layer 410, an automated measurement and validation (AM&V)layer 412, a demand response (DR) layer 414, a fault detection anddiagnostics (FDD) layer 416, an integrated control layer 418, and abuilding subsystem integration later 420. Layers 410-420 can beconfigured to receive inputs from building subsystems 428 and other datasources, determine optimal control actions for building subsystems 428based on the inputs, generate control signals based on the optimalcontrol actions, and provide the generated control signals to buildingsubsystems 428. The following paragraphs describe some of the generalfunctions performed by each of layers 410-420 in BMS 400.

Enterprise integration layer 410 can be configured to serve clients orlocal applications with information and services to support a variety ofenterprise-level applications. For example, enterprise controlapplications 426 can be configured to provide subsystem-spanning controlto a graphical user interface (GUI) or to any number of enterprise-levelbusiness applications (e.g., accounting systems, user identificationsystems, etc.). Enterprise control applications 426 can also oralternatively be configured to provide configuration GUIs forconfiguring BMS controller 366. In yet other embodiments, enterprisecontrol applications 426 can work with layers 410-420 to optimizebuilding performance (e.g., efficiency, energy use, comfort, or safety)based on inputs received at interface 407 and/or BMS interface 409.

Building subsystem integration layer 420 can be configured to managecommunications between BMS controller 366 and building subsystems 428.For example, building subsystem integration layer 420 can receive sensordata and input signals from building subsystems 428 and provide outputdata and control signals to building subsystems 428. Building subsystemintegration layer 420 can also be configured to manage communicationsbetween building subsystems 428. Building subsystem integration layer420 translate communications (e.g., sensor data, input signals, outputsignals, etc.) across a plurality of multi-vendor/multi-protocolsystems.

Demand response layer 414 can be configured to optimize resource usage(e.g., electricity use, natural gas use, water use, etc.) and/or themonetary cost of such resource usage in response to satisfy the demandof building 10. The optimization can be based on time-of-use prices,curtailment signals, energy availability, or other data received fromutility providers, distributed energy generation systems 424, fromenergy storage 427 (e.g., hot TES 242, cold TES 244, etc.), or fromother sources. Demand response layer 414 can receive inputs from otherlayers of BMS controller 366 (e.g., building subsystem integration layer420, integrated control layer 418, etc.). The inputs received from otherlayers can include environmental or sensor inputs such as temperature,carbon dioxide levels, relative humidity levels, air quality sensoroutputs, occupancy sensor outputs, room schedules, and the like. Theinputs can also include inputs such as electrical use (e.g., expressedin kWh), thermal load measurements, pricing information, projectedpricing, smoothed pricing, curtailment signals from utilities, and thelike.

According to an example embodiment, demand response layer 414 includescontrol logic for responding to the data and signals it receives. Theseresponses can include communicating with the control algorithms inintegrated control layer 418, changing control strategies, changingsetpoints, or activating/deactivating building equipment or subsystemsin a controlled manner. Demand response layer 414 can also includecontrol logic configured to determine when to utilize stored energy. Forexample, demand response layer 414 can determine to begin using energyfrom energy storage 427 just prior to the beginning of a peak use hour.

In some embodiments, demand response layer 414 includes a control moduleconfigured to actively initiate control actions (e.g., automaticallychanging setpoints) which minimize energy costs based on one or moreinputs representative of or based on demand (e.g., price, a curtailmentsignal, a demand level, etc.). In some embodiments, demand responselayer 414 uses equipment models to determine an optimal set of controlactions. The equipment models can include, for example, thermodynamicmodels describing the inputs, outputs, and/or functions performed byvarious sets of building equipment. Equipment models can representcollections of building equipment (e.g., subplants, chiller arrays,etc.) or individual devices (e.g., individual chillers, heaters, pumps,etc.).

Demand response layer 414 can further include or draw upon one or moredemand response policy definitions (e.g., databases, XML files, etc.).The policy definitions can be edited or adjusted by a user (e.g., via agraphical user interface) so that the control actions initiated inresponse to demand inputs can be tailored for the user's application,desired comfort level, particular building equipment, or based on otherconcerns. For example, the demand response policy definitions canspecify which equipment can be turned on or off in response toparticular demand inputs, how long a system or piece of equipment shouldbe turned off, what setpoints can be changed, what the allowable setpoint adjustment range is, how long to hold a high demand setpointbefore returning to a normally scheduled setpoint, how close to approachcapacity limits, which equipment modes to utilize, the energy transferrates (e.g., the maximum rate, an alarm rate, other rate boundaryinformation, etc.) into and out of energy storage devices (e.g., thermalstorage tanks, battery banks, etc.), and when to dispatch on-sitegeneration of energy (e.g., via fuel cells, a motor generator set,etc.).

Integrated control layer 418 can be configured to use the data input oroutput of building subsystem integration layer 420 and/or demandresponse later 414 to make control decisions. Due to the subsystemintegration provided by building subsystem integration layer 420,integrated control layer 418 can integrate control activities of thesubsystems 428 such that the subsystems 428 behave as a singleintegrated supersystem. In an example embodiment, integrated controllayer 418 includes control logic that uses inputs and outputs from aplurality of building subsystems to provide greater comfort and energysavings relative to the comfort and energy savings that separatesubsystems could provide alone. For example, integrated control layer418 can be configured to use an input from a first subsystem to make anenergy-saving control decision for a second subsystem. Results of thesedecisions can be communicated back to building subsystem integrationlayer 420.

Integrated control layer 418 is shown to be logically below demandresponse layer 414. Integrated control layer 418 can be configured toenhance the effectiveness of demand response layer 414 by enablingbuilding subsystems 428 and their respective control loops to becontrolled in coordination with demand response layer 414. Thisconfiguration may advantageously reduce disruptive demand responsebehavior relative to conventional systems. For example, integratedcontrol layer 418 can be configured to assure that a demandresponse-driven upward adjustment to the setpoint for chilled watertemperature (or another component that directly or indirectly affectstemperature) does not result in an increase in fan energy (or otherenergy used to cool a space) that would result in greater total buildingenergy use than was saved at the chiller.

Integrated control layer 418 can be configured to provide feedback todemand response layer 414 so that demand response layer 414 checks thatconstraints (e.g., temperature, lighting levels, etc.) are properlymaintained even while demanded load shedding is in progress. Theconstraints can also include setpoint or sensed boundaries relating tosafety, equipment operating limits and performance, comfort, fire codes,electrical codes, energy codes, and the like. Integrated control layer418 is also logically below fault detection and diagnostics layer 416and automated measurement and validation layer 412. Integrated controllayer 418 can be configured to provide calculated inputs (e.g.,aggregations) to these higher levels based on outputs from more than onebuilding subsystem.

Automated measurement and validation (AM&V) layer 412 can be configuredto verify that control strategies commanded by integrated control layer418 or demand response layer 414 are working properly (e.g., using dataaggregated by AM&V layer 412, integrated control layer 418, buildingsubsystem integration layer 420, FDD layer 416, or otherwise). Thecalculations made by AM&V layer 412 can be based on building systemenergy models and/or equipment models for individual BMS devices orsubsystems. For example, AM&V layer 412 can compare a model-predictedoutput with an actual output from building subsystems 428 to determinean accuracy of the model.

Fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) layer 416 can be configured toprovide ongoing fault detection for building subsystems 428, buildingsubsystem devices (i.e., building equipment), and control algorithmsused by demand response layer 414 and integrated control layer 418. FDDlayer 416 can receive data inputs from integrated control layer 418,directly from one or more building subsystems or devices, or fromanother data source. FDD layer 416 can automatically diagnose andrespond to detected faults. The responses to detected or diagnosedfaults can include providing an alert message to a user, a maintenancescheduling system, or a control algorithm configured to attempt torepair the fault or to work around the fault.

FDD layer 416 can be configured to output a specific identification ofthe faulty component or cause of the fault (e.g., loose damper linkage)using detailed subsystem inputs available at building subsystemintegration layer 420. In other example embodiments, FDD layer 416 isconfigured to provide “fault” events to integrated control layer 418which executes control strategies and policies in response to thereceived fault events. According to an example embodiment, FDD layer 416(or a policy executed by an integrated control engine or business rulesengine) can shut down systems or direct control activities around faultydevices or systems to reduce energy waste, extend equipment life, orassure proper control response.

FDD layer 416 can be configured to store or access a variety ofdifferent system data stores (or data points for live data). FDD layer416 can use some content of the data stores to identify faults at theequipment level (e.g., specific chiller, specific AHU, specific terminalunit, etc.) and other content to identify faults at component orsubsystem levels. For example, building subsystems 428 can generatetemporal (i.e., time-series) data indicating the performance of BMS 400and the various components thereof. The data generated by buildingsubsystems 428 can include measured or calculated values that exhibitstatistical characteristics and provide information about how thecorresponding system or process (e.g., a temperature control process, aflow control process, etc.) is performing in terms of error from itssetpoint. These processes can be examined by FDD layer 416 to exposewhen the system begins to degrade in performance and alert a user torepair the fault before it becomes more severe.

Air Quality Optimization System

Referring now to FIG. 5, system 500 is shown, according to an exemplaryembodiment. System 500 may be configured to monitor various parametersof a fluid (e.g., air) and make control decisions based on the parametermeasurements. For example, system 500 may monitor the quality of airwith HVAC system 100 by monitoring various components of air, including:carbon dioxide (CO2), particle pollution (e.g., PM10-2.5, PM2.5, etc.),nitrous oxide (N2O), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) temperature, infectiousbacteria, ozone (O₃), humidity, or any combination thereof. System 500is shown to include pollutant management system 502, filtration system504, building zone 510, outside air sensors 512, supply air sensors 522,building zone sensors 524, and air duct 528.

In a general embodiment, air may be received from outside of building 10via one or more ventilation ducts to enter air duct 528. Various sensors(e.g., outside air sensors 512) may monitor the characteristics and/orquality of the entering air and provide the data to pollutant managementsystem 502. The air is then selectively filtered based on controlsignals provided by pollutant management system 502, which aredetermined at least in part by the data received by outside air sensors512. The filtered air (e.g., supply air 310) is then supplied tobuilding zone 510 for building occupants. The characteristics and/orquality of supply air 310 are monitored by supply air sensors 522 andprovided to pollutant management system 502 for processing.Additionally, the characteristics and/or quality of the air withinbuilding zone 510 are monitored by building zone sensors 524 andprovided to pollutant management system 502 for processing. Pollutantmanagement system 502 may receive the various sensor data and providecontrol signals to filtration system 504 for optimizing air quality. Thecontrol signals may be based on the sensor data from outside air 314,feedback from post-filtering sensors (e.g., supply air sensors 522,building zone sensors 524, etc.), or a combination of both.

Pollutant management system 502 may be configured to receive varioussensor measurements (e.g., outside air parameter data 514, supply airparameter data 520, etc.) and provide control signals to selectivelyfilter the air within air duct 528. For example, pollutant managementsystem 502 may receive outside air parameter data 514 indicating thatparticulate matter (PM) (e.g., atmospheric aerosol particles) in the airare higher than normal. Pollutant management system 502 may then selecta filter from filtration process 504 that is optimized for removing PMfrom air. Pollutant management system 502 is described in greater detailbelow with reference to FIG. 6.

Air duct 528 may be substantially similar or identical to supply airduct 312 as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, air duct 528 includesfeatures similar to the air handling features described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/964,798, filed Apr. 4, 2018, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Outside air 314may refer to any type of fluid (e.g., air) that has been received fromoutside of building 10 and has not been filtered for pollutants and/orcontaminants. Supply air 310 may refer to any type of fluid (e.g., air)that has been filtered for pollutants and/or contaminants.

Outside air sensors 512 may include one or more sensors configured tomonitor air quality of outside air 314. In FIG. 5, outside air 310 isshown entering air duct 528 prior to being filtered by filtration system504 and provide data on the characteristics and/or quality of outsideair 314 to pollutant management system 502 for processing. Supply airsensors 522 may include one or more sensors configured to monitor airquality of supply air 310. In FIG. 5, supply air 310 is shown enteringbuilding zone 510 after being filtered by filtration system 504 andprovide data on the characteristics and/or quality of supply air 310 topollutant management system 502 for processing.

Filtration system 504 may be separate from pollutant management system502 (as shown in FIG. 5) or incorporated entirely within pollutantmanagement system 502. Filtration system 504 may be configured toreceive control signals 516 that indicate which filtration method and/orprocess should be used to optimize the air quality within air duct 528.Filtration system 504 is shown to include filtration sensors 506 andfilter selection 508.

Filtration sensors 506 may include a plurality of sensors for monitoringconditions of filters within air duct 528. In some embodiments,filtration sensors 506 monitor the conditions (e.g., characteristics,pollutants) of the filters within air duct 528 to determine the statusof the filter (e.g., dirtiness, how full it is of pollutants, etc.). Thesensors 506 may be located directly on the filters within filtrationsystem 504 (e.g., on the edge of the filter) or may be located proximateto the filter (e.g., in the duct near the filter). In variousembodiments, filtration sensors 506 are configured to measure carbondioxide (CO₂), particle pollution (e.g., PM_(10-2.5), PM_(2.5), etc.),nitrous oxide (N₂O), temperature, infectious bacteria, ozone (O₃),particulate matter (PM), humidity, or any combination thereof.Filtration sensors 506 may provide filter data 518 to pollutantmanagement system 502 for processing.

Filter selection 508 may be a module configured to select a filter foroptimizing the air quality within air duct 528. In some embodiments, theprocess for determining which filter should be selected is performed inpollutant management system 502. In other embodiments, the processing isperformed in filtration system 504. As described herein, “filters,” mayrefer to any device for removing impurities or solid particles from afluid (e.g., air). In a general embodiment, filters may refer to porousdevices, such as the Multi-Pleat BOSS filters as sold by Koch Filters,Inc. In some embodiments, filter selection 508 includes selecting carbonfilters, which may be ideal for filtering small particles. The carbonfilters may use a bed of activated carbon to remove contaminants andimpurities, using chemical absorption.

Building zone 510 may be any area or region of building 10 as shown inFIG. 1. In some embodiments, building zone 510 is a room (e.g., serverroom, meeting room, etc.), a floor (e.g., floor 5, floor 6, etc.), or aregion (e.g., south-west corner of floor 5, east side of floor 6, etc.).Building zone 510 may include various sensors to monitor air qualitywithin building zone 10, such as building zone sensor 524.

Building zone sensor 524 may include one or more sensors configured tomonitor air quality within building zone 510. In FIG. 5, supply air 310is shown entering building zone 510 after being filtered by filtrationsystem 504. Building zone sensors 524 may monitor the characteristics ofthe air after supply air 310 has entered building zone 510. The air inbuilding zone 510 may differ than the supply air 310 in air duct 528 assunlight, occupants within building zone 510, open windows during astorm, and/or other external factors may gradually change the qualityand/or content of the air within building zone 510. Building zone sensor524 may monitor these characteristics and provide building zone airparameter data 526 to pollutant management system 502 for processing.While system 500 inlcudes various sensors (e.g., sensors 512, sensors522) for measuring the fluid within duct 310, a couple or even a singlesensor may be implemented to cover all or some of the air qualitymeasuring performed by the various sensors within system 500.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a block diagram of pollutant management system502 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Pollutant managementsystem 502 is shown to include processing circuit 602, includingprocessor 604 and memory 606. Processing circuit 602 can be communicablyconnected to BMS interface 409 and/or communications interface 624 suchthat processing circuit 604 and the various components thereof can sendand receive data via interfaces 409, 624. Processor 604 can beimplemented as a general purpose processor, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays(FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronicprocessing components.

Memory 606 (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) can includeone or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage,etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing orfacilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in thepresent application. Memory 606 can be or include volatile memory ornon-volatile memory. Memory 606 can include database components, objectcode components, script components, or any other type of informationstructure for supporting the various activities and informationstructures described in the present application. According to an exampleembodiment, memory 606 is communicably connected to processor 604 viaprocessing circuit 602 and includes computer code for executing (e.g.,by processing circuit 404 and/or processor 604) one or more processesdescribed herein. In some embodiments, pollutant management system 502is implemented within a single computer (e.g., one server, one housing,etc.). In various other embodiments pollutant management system 502 canbe distributed across multiple servers or computers (e.g., that canexist in distributed locations).

Pollutant management system 502 is shown to include communicationsinterface 624. Interface 624 can facilitate communications betweenpollutant management system 502 and external applications (e.g.,filtration system 504, monitoring and reporting applications 422,enterprise control applications 426, remote systems and applications444, applications residing on client devices 448, etc.) for allowinguser control, monitoring, and adjustment to pollutant management system502. Interface 624 can facilitate communications between pollutantmanagement system 502 and building subsystems 428 (e.g., HVAC, lightingsecurity, lifts, power distribution, business, etc.).

Interface 624 can be or include wired or wireless communicationsinterfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas, transmitters, receivers,transceivers, wire terminals, etc.) for conducting data communicationswith building subsystems 428 or other external systems or devices. Invarious embodiments, communications via interface 624 can be direct(e.g., local wired or wireless communications) or via a communicationsnetwork 446 (e.g., a WAN, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.). Forexample, interface 624 can include an Ethernet card and port for sendingand receiving data via an Ethernet-based communications link or network.In another example, interface 624 can include a Wi-Fi transceiver forcommunicating via a wireless communications network. In another example,interface 624 can include cellular or mobile phone communicationstransceivers. Memory 606 is shown to include data collector 608,setpoint manager 616, equipment controller 618, model generator 620, andmodel controller 622.

Data collector 608 may be configured to collect various data fromsensors within system 500 (e.g., outside air parameter data 514, supplyair parameter data 520, etc. and provide data to setpoint manager 616and/or model generator 620 for processing. Data collector 608 is shownto include sensor data 610, filter data 612, and historical data 614.Sensor data 610 may include the various data from sensors within system500 (e.g., outside air parameter data 514, supply air parameter data520, etc.). Filter data 612 may include data from filtration system 504(e.g., filter data 518). Both sensor data 610 and filter data 612 may beused for determining a setpoint, as shown in FIG. 6.

Historical data 614 may include data representative of previous systemparameters. For example, historical data 614 includes the data of howmuch nitrous oxide there was in the air within system 500 one year agounder similar weather conditions. In another example, historical data614 includes data regarding the humidity levels during a storm, whichmay be used to forecast for an upcoming storm in the near future.Historical data 614 may include data from any time in the past relatingto characteristics and/or quality of fluid flowing through air duct 528.Historical data 614 may also include data relating to weather or otherparameters of BMS 400.

Setpoint manager 616 may be configured to determine various setpointsfor HVAC equipment 628. Sensor data 610 and filter data 612 may beprovided to setpoint manager 616 such that setpoint manager 616 candetermine setpoints that will alter the data being received by datacollector 608. For example, data collector 608 may receive sensor dataindicating that carbon dioxide levels in outside air 314 are abnormallyhigh (e.g., 10% higher than normal, 20% higher than normal, etc.).Setpoint manager 616 receives this data and determines that selectingtwo filters for absorbing carbon dioxide from supply air 314 should beimplemented and provides setpoints for one or more actuators connectedto the filters in filter selection 508 to equipment controller 618.Equipment controller 618 may be configured to receive setpoints andprovide control signals to HVAC equipment 628. Equipment controller 618and setpoint manager 616 may be combined into a single module and maynot be separated as shown in FIG. 6. The various functionality performedby setpoint manager 616 may also be performed by equipment controller618, and vice versa.

In some embodiments, data collector 608 may receive data indicatingtemperature levels of air within building zone 510 are within a suitablerange (e.g., 19-24° C.) for operation of the system 500, but humiditylevels in the air may be higher than normal (e.g., 65% humidity).Equipment controller 618 may receive this information and providecontrol signals to filtration system 504 to dehumidify the air.Accordingly, setpoint manager 616 may provide a humidity setpoint of 45%water-to-air setpoint to equipment controller 618 to attempt to reach.Supply air sensors 522 continue to monitor humidity levels of supply air310 as feedback for equipment controller 618. Additionally, equipmentcontroller 618, or any component within pollutant management system 502,may be receiving feedback from a variety of points throughout system 500and are not limited to those shown in FIG. 5. Allowing for multiplefeedback paths through various stages of the air filtering processadvantageously allows for a dynamic control system that is able todetect problems at various stages and solve them dynamically (e.g.,selecting the proper filter, etc.). In some embodiments, the feedbackmay be averaged to determine an average value for the sensor data. Inother embodiments, the maximum values are used.

Model generator 620 may generate a model of air filtration system 500based on historical data 614. Model generator 620 may then provide themodel to model controller 622. Model controller 622 may then makecontrol decisions based on the received model. For example, historicaldata 614 may indicate nitrous oxide levels increase in the outside airduring the months of May-June, or around the time nitrogen-rich manureis used in crop fields. Model generator 620 may generate a model withthe nitrous oxide data structure included in the model, and provide themodel to model controller 622. Model controller 622 may then, uponpreparation for an upcoming May-June period, provide additional nitrousoxide filtering within air duct 528. In some embodiments, modelgenerator 620 may include various information that is not directlyreceived from the sensors shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, modelgenerator 620 (and in some cases, data collector 608), is receivinginformation relating to external factors changing temperatures withinbuilding zone 510 (e.g., sunlight, human heat, “Q other,” etc.), CO2generation within building zone 510, and other external variables.

Air storage module 630 may be configured to store fluid (e.g., bad air,good air, adequate air, etc.) to be further recirculated within air duct528. In some embodiments, air storage module 630 stores used supply airfrom building zone 510 (e.g., within another duct, within a storagecontainer, etc.) and provides the stored air back to air duct 528 basedon instructions from pollutant management system 502. This may allowpollutant management system 502 to re-use supply air (e.g., supply air310) without requiring the need to process (e.g., warm, filter, etc.)the air entirely. For example, the outside air 314 may come into airduct 528 at −15° C. (4° F.) and is warmed to a suitable temperature(e.g., 21° C. (70° F.), etc.) for building zone 510. Air storage module630 may then store the used air from building zone 510 for a period oftime (e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes, 1 hour, 10 hours, etc.) to be re-usedupon instruction from pollutant management system 502. The air may loseheat in storage but still be significantly higher in temperature (e.g.,10° C. (50° F.), etc.) compared to the received outside air of −15° C.In such an embodiment, system 500 may significantly save on energy costswhen re-using air via air storage module 630.

Timing-based circulator 632 may be configured to circulate air withinairside system 300 (or similarly system 500) based on timing criteria.For example, pollutant management system 502, BMS controller 366, AHUcontroller 330, or anything combination thereof, provides instructionsto process the air (e.g., filter, warm, re-circulate) within air duct308 after a period of time (e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 1hour, 10 hours, etc.). In some embodiments, timing based circulatorprocesses (e.g., filters, heats, cools, disinfects, cleans, etc.) thefluid based on predetermined intervals of time.

Sensors 626 may include the various sensors as shown in FIG. 5 (e.g.,outside air sensors 512, supply air sensors 522, building zone sensors524, etc.). Sensors 626 are not limited to the sensors disclosed hereinand may include various other sensors within system 500. Sensors 626provide sensor data to data collector 608. HVAC equipment 628 caninclude any HVAC equipment capable of changing one or more parameterswithin system 400 or system 500. HVAC equipment can include boilers,chillers, pumps, chilled fluid pipe valves, AHU dampers, and variousother HVAC devices. HVAC equipment 628 can also include filtrationsystem 504.

In some embodiments, air quality may be monitored via a user interface(not shown in FIG. 6). For example, a user interface may receiveinformation regarding pollutant management system 502 via communicationsinterface 624 and provide that information to a user. The user may thenmake control decisions (e.g., selecting filters, establishing setpoints,etc.) via the user interface. The user interface may then provide thatinformation to pollutant management system 502 for implementation of thecontrol decisions. The user interface may be located on a user device(e.g., smartphone, tablet, workplace computer, etc.) or directly on adevice within system 500 (e.g., on air duct 528).

Referring now to FIG. 7A, a diagram of air duct 528 is shown, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7A shows a method for selecting afilter that may be implemented by filtration system 504, particularlyfilter selection 508 in some embodiments. FIG. 7A is shown to includeoutside air (OA) actuator 702 and OA damper 704. FIG. 7A is furthershown to include first actuator 710, first damper 712, and first filter716 in first air path 714, second actuator 720, second damper 722, andsecond filter 726 in first air path 724, and third actuator 730, thirddamper 732, and third filter 736 in third path 734.

The various actuators and dampers disclosed in FIGS. 7A-B aresubstantially similar or identical in functionality to actuators 324-328and dampers 316-320, respectively. OA damper 704 may allow outside airto enter air duct 528. Air duct 528 is shown to include at least threedifferent paths for allowing a fluid to flow. This may represent amethod for selecting the filtering process, in contrast to having asingle air path with varying filters in the single air path.

In some embodiments, a filter is located in front of damper 704 (e.g.,preceding damper 704 within the path of the air) (not shown in FIG. 7A).In such an embodiment, this filter may be selected to filter out all ofthe air entering air duct 528. The air may be filtered exclusively bythe filter in front of damper 704. In other embodiments, the filter infront of damper 704 filters the air initially, then the air isdistributed to the various air duct paths for further filtering. Forexample, the filter in front of damper 704 may act as a general filterfor various contaminants then, based on the specific particulate makeupof the air, the air may be distributed to separate air paths for morefiltering.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, another diagram of air duct 528 is shown,according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7B shows a possible flow pathfor fluid (e.g. air) flowing through air duct 528. The fluid may passthrough one or more of the paths based on signals provided by pollutantmanagement system 502. After the fluid passes through filtration system504, the fluid returns back to a single path to be provided to the restof the building (e.g., building zone 510).

Air Quality Optimization Processes

Referring now to FIG. 8, a process 800 for optimizing air quality isshown, according to some embodiments. Process 800 may be performed bypollutant management system 502 as shown in FIG. 5.

Process 800 is shown to include receiving sensor data of outdoor air andindoor air after filtering (step 802). In some embodiments, pollutantmanagement system 502 may receive sensor data on various characteristicsof outdoor air and indoor air, including but not limited to carbondioxide (CO₂), particle pollution (e.g., PM_(10-2.5), PM_(2.5), etc.),nitrous oxide (N₂O), temperature, infectious bacteria, ozone (O₃),particulate matter (PM), humidity, or any combination thereof. Step 802may include receiving data from both outdoor air and indoor air todetermine how the indoor air is changing after certain processes, suchas filtering outdoor air and the indoor air being exposed to sunlightand CO2-emitting humans in a building.

Process 800 is shown to include analyzing sensor data to determine aquality of outdoor air and a quality of indoor air, the quality of theoutdoor air and the quality of indoor air based on characteristics ofthe air (step 804). Step 804 refers to determining a set ofcharacteristics regarding the air. For example, at a certain instance intime, the sensor data may include information on the CO2 levels in theair. At another instance in time, the sensor data may includeinformation on the nitrous oxide levels in the air.

Process 800 is shown to include determining that the characteristics ofthe air are abnormal (step 806). In some embodiments, one or morethresholds are established for various levels for characteristics of theair. For example, a humidity threshold of 55% may be established, suchthat any sensor data of air that indicates a humidity threshold over 55%will signal abnormal characteristics of the air quality. Thresholds forsome characteristics of the air may differ in values/ranges thanthresholds for other characteristics of the air.

Process 800 is shown to include selecting a filtering process based onthe abnormal characteristics of the air (step 808) and filtering theoutdoor air with the selected filtering process (step 810). In the eventthat certain characteristics are determined to be at abnormal levels, afiltering process may be implemented, such as filtering system 504 asshown in FIG. 5. Filtering processes may differ in design (e.g.,multi-filter single-path, single-filter multi-path, etc.) but may beconfigured to reduce/increase abnormal levels of one or more air qualitycharacteristics to a normal operating range. For example, a nitrogendioxide (NO2) filter may, upon pollutant management system 502determining that NO2 levels were above a threshold level of 150 partsper billion (PPB), filter the NO2 out of outside air 314 until NO2levels drop below 150 PPB.

In some embodiments, the air may be filtered by means of an ultra-violet(UV) filter to eliminate pollutants (e.g., germs, mold, mildew,bacteria, etc.). This may be performed by a UV light filter locatedwithin air duct 528, such as filter 726. For example, pollutantmanagement system 502 may determine that bacteria levels were above apredetermined threshold level. Pollutant management system 502 may thenselect a path within air duct 528 to filter the air. In otherembodiments, the UV light filters may be located in any and all pathswithin air duct 528.

In some embodiments, the filtering process may include chemical sprays,disinfectants, or other aerosols capable of filtering pollutants fromthe air. For example, filter 726 as shown in FIG. 7B includes amechanism for spraying the air with one or more aerosols. The spray(e.g., aerosol, disinfectant, etc.) may sanitize and/or purify the air.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a process for optimizing air quality withpredictive modeling is shown, according to exemplary embodiments.Process 900 may be performed by pollutant management system 502 as shownin FIG. 5. Process 900 is shown to include receiving a first set ofsensor data of a characteristic of a pre-filtered fluid within an airduct of a BMS (step 902) and receiving a second set of sensor data ofthe characteristic of the fluid after the fluid has been filtered (step904). Steps 902-904 may be similar to step 802 as shown in FIG. 8.

Process 900 is shown to include providing control signals to afiltration process (step 906). In some embodiments, the first and seconddata sets may indicate abnormal measurements (e.g., various abnormalcharacteristics as described in process 800) and a filtering process forthe air may be implemented. Pollutant management system 502 may providethe control signals for filtering the air. Process 908 is shown toinclude selecting a filter based on the change in characteristic of thefiltering air (step 908). This step may be similar to step 808 as shownin process 800.

Process 900 is shown to include generating a model of the fluid andmaking predictions based on the model, wherein the model is generatedbased on the first set of data and the second set of data (step 910). Insome embodiments, pollutant management system 502 can receive trainingdata that allows for the generation of a predictive model. The model mayrepresent the makeup of the air at various time periods, seasons,locations, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, pollutantmanagement system 502 will make predictions based on the model, such asover-filtering the air for NO2 at a first instance in time, forpreparation of a high increase in NO2 in an upcoming second instance intime (e.g., 3 days later, 5 days later, etc.).

Referring now to FIG. 10, a process 1000 for selectively filtering airusing parallel flow paths is shown, according to exemplary embodiments.Process 1000 is shown to include receiving sensor data of outdoor airand indoor air after filtering (step 1002), analyzing sensor data todetermine a quality of outdoor air and a quality of indoor air, thequality of the outdoor air and the quality of indoor air based oncharacteristics of the air (step 1004), and determining that thecharacteristics of the air are abnormal (step 1006). These steps may besubstantially similar or identical to steps 802-806 as described abovewith reference to FIG. 8.

Process 1000 is shown to include selecting a path of a plurality ofparallel flow paths for the outdoor air to flow through (step 1008) andproviding a filtering process through each of the plurality of parallelflow paths (step 1010). In some embodiments, the filtering process is amulti-pathway (i.e., multi-path) system wherein each path includes anindependent filtering process. For example, in the event that pollutantmanagement system 502 receives an indication that NO2 levels are above apredetermined threshold, pollutant management system 502 may providecontrol signals such that outside air 314 flows through a first path, asthe first path is optimized for removing NO2 particulates from the air.Later (e.g., 1 hour, 1 day, etc.) pollutant management system 502receives an indication that PM levels are above a predeterminedthreshold and provides control signals such that outside air 314 flowsthrough a second path optimized for removing PM.

In some embodiments, pollutant management system 502 facilitates modelpredictive control by describing how the temperature of building air andmass changes as the building is heated (or cooled). In some embodiments,the model describing these two temperatures is given by:

${\overset{.}{T}}_{z} = {{( {\frac{- 1}{R_{im}C_{a}} - \frac{1}{R_{oa}C_{az}}} )T_{z}} + {\frac{1}{R_{im}C_{a}}T_{m}} + {\frac{1}{R_{oa}C_{a}}T_{oa}} + {\frac{1}{C_{a}}{\overset{.}{Q}}_{HVAC}\frac{1}{C_{a}}{\overset{.}{Q}}_{Other}}}$${\overset{.}{T}}_{m} = {{\frac{1}{R_{im}C_{m}}T_{z}} - {\frac{1}{R_{im}C_{m}}T_{m}}}$

where {dot over (T)}_(z) is a rate of change of temperature in a zone,R_(im) is a mass thermal resistance value of a resistor (e.g., a wall, adoor, etc.), C_(a) is an capacitance value of air, T_(z) is atemperature in the zone, T_(oa) is an outdoor air temperature, {dot over(Q)}_(HVAC) is an amount of heat contributed by a heat, ventilation, orair conditioning (HVAC) system, {dot over (Q)}_(Other) is a heattransfer value, {dot over (T)}_(m) is a rate of change in a buildingmass temperature, C_(m) is a mass thermal capacitance value, and T_(m)is a building mass temperature. By using the model, asset allocator 402can capture the dynamic nature of a zone (or any space) of a building.

If a goal is to maintain comfort in regards to temperature and humidityas well as contaminates (e.g., PM2.5, PM10, etc.) in the air, the abovemodel can be augmented with equations describing the additional statesas follows:

${\overset{.}{T}}_{z} = {{( {\frac{- 1}{R_{im}C_{a}} - \frac{1}{R_{oa}C_{a_{z}}}} )T_{z}} + {\frac{1}{R_{im}C_{a}}T_{m}} + {\frac{1}{R_{oa}C_{a}}T_{oa}} + {\frac{1}{C_{a}}{\overset{.}{Q}}_{HVAC}} + {\frac{1}{C_{a}}{\overset{.}{Q}}_{Other}} + {\overset{\overset{.}{\sim}}{v}( {T_{oa} - T_{z}} )}}$${\overset{.}{T}}_{m} = {{\frac{1}{R_{im}C_{m}}T_{z}} - {\frac{1}{R_{im}C_{m}}T_{m}}}$${\overset{.}{\phi}}_{{H\; 2\; O},{i\; n}} = {{\overset{\overset{.}{\sim}}{v}( {\phi_{{H\; 2\; O},{out}} - \phi_{{H\; 2\; O},{i\; n}}} )} + {\overset{.}{\phi}}_{{H\; 2\; O},{dist}} - {\overset{.}{\phi}}_{{H\; 2\; O},{hvac}} + {\overset{.}{\phi}}_{{H\; 2\; O},{control}}}$⋮${\overset{.}{\phi}}_{X,{i\; n}} = {{\overset{\overset{.}{\sim}}{v}( {\phi_{X,{out}} - \phi_{X,{i\; n}}} )} + {\overset{.}{\phi}}_{X,{dist}} + {\overset{.}{\phi}}_{X,{control}}}$

where {dot over (φ)}_(H2O,in) is a rate of change in a concentration ofwater in the air, {tilde over ({dot over (v)})} is an airflow normalizedby a volume of air in a space (e.g., a zone), φ_(X,out) is aconcentration of water in the air outside of the space (e.g., in theoutdoors), φ_(X,in) is a concentration of water in the air inside thespace {dot over (φ)}_(H2O,dist) is a disturbance rate of water in thespace {dot over (φ)}_(H2O,hvac) is a rate of change of water in the airdue to HVAC equipment operation, and {dot over (φ)}_(H2O,control) is arate of change of water in the air due to control decisions, {dot over(φ)}_(X,in) is a rate of change in a concentration of a contaminant inthe air, φ_(X,out) is a concentration of the contaminant in the airoutside of the space, φ_(X,in) is a concentration of contaminant in theair inside the space, {dot over (φ)}_(X,dist) is a disturbance rate ofthe contaminant in the space {dot over (φ)}_(X,control) is a rate ofchange of the contaminant in the air due to control decisions, and allother variables are the same as described above. In general, the modelcan be augmented with additional contaminants as necessary for theoptimization problem. The optimization processes described above may besimilar to the optimization processes described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/703,514 filed Dec. 4, 2019, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a diagram for filtering air within air duct528 is shown, according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 11 shows UVfilter 1102 filtering air and fan 338 blowing the air farther into airduct 528 (e.g., into building 10). In some embodiments, UV filter 1102is filtering out pollutants capable of being eliminated by ultravioletlight. For example, UV filter 1102 may be filtering out bacteria or moldfrom within the air.

Configuration of Exemplary Embodiments

The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown inthe various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only afew embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may bereversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discreteelements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method stepsmay be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplaryembodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and programproducts on any machine-readable media for accomplishing variousoperations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implementedusing existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computerprocessor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or anotherpurpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of thepresent disclosure include program products comprising machine-readablemedia for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or datastructures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example,such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROMor other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or storedesired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions ordata structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose orspecial purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Wheninformation is transferred or provided over a network or anothercommunications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combinationof hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views theconnection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection isproperly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above arealso included within the scope of machine-readable media.Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions anddata which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer,or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function orgroup of functions.

Although the figures show a specific order of method steps, the order ofthe steps may differ from what is depicted. Also, two or more steps maybe performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variationwill depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designerchoice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure.Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standardprogramming techniques with rule based logic and other logic toaccomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparisonsteps and decision steps.

What is claimed is:
 1. A building management system (BMS) for filteringa fluid within a building, the system comprising: one or more sensorsconfigured to: measure one or more characteristics of a first fluidwithin an air duct of the BMS; and measure one or more characteristicsof a second fluid after the second fluid has been filtered; and apollutant management system configured to receive data from the one ormore sensors and control a filtration process, wherein the filtrationprocess selects a filter of a plurality of filters based on a level ofthe one or more characteristics of the first fluid and the one or morecharacteristics of the second fluid.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein:measuring the one or more characteristics of the first fluid within theair duct of the BMS comprises measuring at least one of a carbondioxide, nitrous oxide, particulate matter, or ozone levels of the firstfluid; measuring the one or more characteristics of the second fluidafter the second fluid has been filtered comprises measuring at leastone of a carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, particulate matter, or ozonelevels of the second fluid; measuring one or more characteristics of thefirst fluid is performed by a first set of sensors and measuring the oneor more characteristics of the second fluid after the second fluid hasbeen filtered is performed by a second set of sensors; and the firstfluid is a pre-filtered fluid received in the air duct and the secondfluid is a post-filtered supply fluid within the air duct or apost-filtered fluid within a building zone.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the pollutant management system comprises a predictive modelmodule configured to: receive filter data from a one or more filtrationsensors, the one or more filtration sensors configured to record thefilter data of the plurality of filters within the filtration process,the filter data comprising data relating to the one or morecharacteristics of the fluid; determine when the selected filter willbecome inoperable; and upon determining when the selected filter willbecome inoperable, alter the filtration process; and wherein thefiltration process further selects the filter of the plurality offilters based on a change in the one or more characteristics fromfiltering the first fluid.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein selectingthe filter of the plurality of filters comprises selecting the filter ofthe plurality of filters in a single fluid path, wherein all of thefirst fluid is filtered in the single fluid path.
 5. The system of claim1, wherein selecting the filter of the plurality of filters comprises:selecting a path of a plurality of paths in the air duct for the fluidto flow, wherein each of the plurality of paths comprises one of theplurality of filters; and filtering the first fluid based on theselected path.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the pollutantmanagement system is further configured to compare the level of the oneor more characteristics measured by the one or more sensors to apredetermined threshold, the level of the one or more characteristicsbased on measurements from the one or more sensors.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the pollutant management system further comprises atiming module configured to process the first fluid based onpredetermined intervals of time, wherein processing comprisingfiltering, heating, disinfecting, or cleaning.
 8. A controller forfiltering a fluid within a building management system (BMS), thecontroller comprising: a processing circuit comprising one or moreprocessors and memory storing instructions that, when executed by theone or more processors, cause the one or more processors to performoperations comprising: receiving, via one or more sensors, a first setof sensor data of one or more characteristics of a first fluid within anair duct of the BMS; receiving, via the one or more sensors, a secondset of sensor data of one or more characteristics of a second fluidafter the second fluid has been filtered; providing control signals to afiltration process, wherein the filtration process selects a filter of aplurality of filters based on a level of the one or more characteristicsof the first fluid and the one or more characteristics of the secondfluid; generating a model of the first fluid; and generating predictionsbased on the model, wherein the model is generated based on the firstset of sensor data and the second set of sensor data.
 9. The controllerof claim 8, wherein: receiving the first set of sensor data of the oneor more characteristics of the first fluid within the air duct comprisesmeasuring at least one of a carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, particulatematter, or ozone levels of the first fluid; receiving the second set ofsensor data of the one or more characteristics of the second fluid afterthe second fluid has been filtered comprises measuring at least one of acarbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, particulate matter, or ozone levels ofthe second fluid; and the first set of sensor data of the one or morecharacteristics of the first fluid is received by a first set of sensorsand the second set of sensor data of the one or more characteristics ofthe second fluid is received by a second set of sensors; and the firstfluid is a pre-filtered fluid received in the air duct and the secondfluid is a post-filtered supply fluid within the air duct or apost-filtered fluid within a building zone.
 10. The controller of claim8, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to: receivefilter data from one or more filtration sensors, the one or morefiltration sensors configured to record the filter data of the pluralityof filters within the filtration process, the filter data comprisingdata relating to the one or more characteristics of the fluid; determinewhen the selected filter will become inoperable; and upon determiningwhen the selected filter will become inoperable, alter the filtrationprocess; and wherein the filtration process further selects the filterof the plurality of filters based on a change in the one or morecharacteristics from filtering the first fluid.
 11. The controller ofclaim 8, wherein selecting the filter of the plurality of filterscomprises selecting the filter of the plurality of filters in a singlefluid path, wherein all of the first fluid is filtered in the singlefluid path.
 12. The controller of claim 8, wherein selecting the filterof the plurality of filters comprises: selecting a path of a pluralityof paths in the air duct for the first fluid to flow, wherein each ofthe plurality of paths comprises one of the plurality of filters; andfiltering the first fluid based on the selected path.
 13. The controllerof claim 8, wherein the processing circuit is further configured tocompare the level of the one or more characteristics to a predeterminedthreshold, the level of the one or more characteristics based oninformation from the first set of sensor data, the second set of sensordata, or both.
 14. The controller of claim 8, wherein the processingcircuit is further configured to process the first fluid based onpredetermined intervals of time, wherein processing comprisingfiltering, heating, disinfecting, or cleaning.
 15. A method forfiltering a first fluid within a building management system (BMS), themethod comprising: receiving, via one or more sensors, a first set ofsensor data of one or more characteristics of the first fluid within anair duct of the BMS; receiving, via the one or more sensors, a secondset of sensor data of one or more characteristics of a second fluidafter the second fluid has been filtered; and providing control signalsto a filtration process, wherein the filtration process selects a filterof a plurality of filters based on a level of the one or morecharacteristics of the first fluid and the one or more characteristicsof the second fluid.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein receiving thefirst set of sensor data of the one or more characteristics of the firstfluid within the air duct comprises measuring at least one of a carbondioxide, nitrous oxide, particulate matter or ozone levels of the firstfluid, receiving the second set of sensor data of the one or morecharacteristics of the second fluid after the second fluid has beenfiltered comprises measuring at least one of a carbon dioxide, nitrousoxide, particulate matter, or ozone levels of the second fluid, and thefirst set of sensor data of the one or more characteristics of the firstfluid is received by a first set of sensors and the second set of sensordata of the one or more characteristics of the second fluid is receivedby a second set of sensors; and the first fluid is a pre-filtered fluidreceived in the air duct and the second fluid is a post-filtered supplyfluid within the air duct or a post-filtered fluid within a buildingzone.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises:receiving filter data from one or more filtration sensors, the one ormore filtration sensors configured to record filter data of theplurality of filters within the filtration process, the filter datacomprising data relating to the one or more characteristics of the firstfluid; determining when the selected filter will become inoperable; andupon determining when the selected filter will become inoperable,altering the filtration process; and wherein the filtration processfurther selects the filter of the plurality of filters based on a changein the one or more characteristics from filtering the first fluid. 18.The method of claim 15, wherein selecting the filter of the plurality offilters comprises: selecting a path of a plurality of paths in the airduct for the first fluid to flow, wherein each of the plurality of pathscomprises one of the plurality of filters; and filtering the first fluidbased on the selected path.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein themethod further comprises comparing the level of the one or morecharacteristics of the first fluid to a predetermined threshold, thelevel of the one or more characteristics of the first fluid based oninformation from the first set of sensor data, the second set of sensordata, or both.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the method furthercomprises processing the first fluid based on predetermined intervals oftime, wherein processing comprising filtering, heating, disinfecting, orcleaning.